Tabitha Tomala

Never pray to those who answer in the dark.

Forced into marriage, on the day of her wedding Addie prays to anyone who will hear her desperate cries. When the darkness offers Addie a bargain, the life she wants for her soul, Addie sees no other choice. But the moment words of agreement are whispered, Addie’s life irrevocably changes. She may be immortal and free to live as she chooses, but she will never be remembered again.

The years are not kind to Addie as she learns the world is a dangerous place for women. And until she grasps the full capabilities of her extended life, she will struggle to survive. V.E. Schwab’s prose captures such a profound sense of loneliness and emotionally connects Addie to the reader. Over the course of three centuries, Addie will share with readers her journey from victim to survivor. Through the ups and downs of both past and present, Addie must endure the mental struggle of forever being alone. Forgotten by all except the one who caused it all.

The darkness is always near, waiting to catch Addie at her weakest moment. The fierce and complex moments between Addie and her dark stranger up the tension and keep the reader engaged. There is a sense of both attraction and repulsion, oftentimes blending and causing a confusing mix of emotions for Addie. And when she finally finds someone who remembers her aside from the darkness, a thrill will course through the reader as Addie is forced to reevaluate everything she has done in her life. The doubt and fear readers endure as she cautiously explores the impossible with someone who remembers her are heartbreaking.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is as haunting as it is beautiful. Each century is brought to vivid life for the reader through Addie's experiences. And the audiobook is fantastic as the narrator takes into account which century Addie is in and how her French accent changes over time. Addie’s life is painted in such an unforgettable way despite the character herself being forgotten at every turn. I highly recommended this book to those who enjoy historical fantasy novels and darker mental themes.

Nate has never played by the rules. He knows the society he grew up in is broken, and he will make sure the rest of the world knows it too. But the King will not stand for anything disrupting his utopia, even if it is corrupt and centered around the wealthy. When Nate is forced to run or die, he doesn’t hesitate to head for the Outlands. A place that may be filled with danger, but the King will never find him. Unfortunately, he isn’t alone and Catherine is dragged into fleeing for her life. A woman who grew up in the wealth of society, who sees no fault in how she lives. But as she encounters the hardships on their journey to the Outlands, her worldwide views begin to change.

A Touch of Death centers around a society where if you pay a high enough amount, you’ll get away with almost anything. It also focuses on how the less well-off members of society are considered second-rate and do not receive the same attention and care the wealthy do. Nate has a fiery attitude and puts his life on the line to try and expose the truth of society. And while he is one of the wealthy, he refuses to act like it. He uses what power he has to form resistance groups, and in the end, it is his ultimate downfall.

While Nate kicks off the events of the story, most of it is told through Catherine’s point of view. This was a wonderful decision as it showed how someone who fully believed in society began to see the error in its ways. Catherine was so steadfast against Nate and could not believe why he caused so much trouble. But her encounters on the run began to open her eyes to the bigger picture and to see not everything was perfect in utopia.

I do wish more time had been spent with the secondary characters. Nate and Catherine go through so much growth and yet we don’t see much from the characters that eventually join their quest. The journey itself was such an interesting part of the story, and it would have been great to have more time to see Nate and Catherine bond with outside characters. The emotional ties would have formed much closure for the readers, causing more of an emotional pull when they encountered challenges along the way.

However, the way Nate and Catherine developed their relations was fantastic. Putting Catherine with a character she could not stand, yet had to rely on for survival caused a heady dose of drama and tension. Add to the fact that she doesn’t fully believe in the reason they are running away and doubting every choice they’ve made. Imagine your entire world is upset by someone you can’t stand, and the more time you spend with them, all the thoughts and ideals you had about life are turned upside down. You constantly question, is this the truth? Even when it is blatantly all around you.

A Touch of Death is a book for those who enjoy dystopian novels with fiery tempered characters. And when you turn the final page, you’ll be eager to see what new direction the story will go. I certainly need to find out!

Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Hanako has seen strange things her entire life. Living in the town of Alamogordo, where the creeping Gloomdark envelopes the town at night, one would think seeing the strange would be normal. But Hanako has been convinced she’s insane. Until she witnesses, a young girl attacked by a being no one else can see and becomes entangled in discovering the effects of a new drug in town.

The supernatural elements of The Silent Dark are fantastic. C.J. Stilling built an entire culture to exist alongside normal society. Told through multiple viewpoints, readers have the chance to see through the eyes of believers and nonbelievers. For some, there are perfectly normal explanations for what happens, and for others, they see the truth. This created a wonderful blend of friction between the various characters searching for answers.

I will caution that this book does deal with the subject of childhood trauma at the hands of a parent. Many of Hanako’s insecurities stem from the trauma she endured at the hands of her father. For readers who are easily triggered by childhood abuse, this won’t be the book for you. Hanako’s struggle to open up about her past and overcome her trauma was intense. As Hanako learns to use her powers, she will encounter flashbacks of her abuse and by overcoming her trauma she also becomes stronger.

Hanako also struggles to maintain human connections because of her past, but that doesn’t mean she gives up trying to keep them. Throughout The Silent Dark, she isn’t just learning how to use her powers, she’s also learning how to form connections with others and how to navigate through friendships that change. The emotional connection readers form with Hanako will urge them to read on to see how she overcomes each one of the challenges presented to her.

The Silent Dark is a thrilling mystery steeped in supernatural happenings. This is the type of story that presents readers with multiple pieces of a puzzle and urges them to continue reading in order for the pieces to create a full picture. I could not put this book down.

Raistlin Majere has chosen to cast aside his symbol of neutrality and take up the black robes of Nuitari. By bearing the robes of the dark god, he’s able to slip into Neraka unhindered. There he seeks power to surpass the Gods themselves. But Raistlin is soon interrupted when he finds Queen Takhisis plans to remove magic from all but those who devoutly follow her. Refusing to be subservient to anyone, Raistlin wages his own battle against the Queen of Darkness.

Dragons of the Hourglass Mage allows the reader to experience Raistlin’s choices and actions behind taking the black robes. When reading the original Chronicles, it’s clear Raistlin seeks more power, but all the sacrifices and challenges he faced trying to attain it were never mentioned in detail. There are also rare moments within the novel when the reader is drawn into a first-person point of view allowing readers to see through Raistlin’s eyes and experience his emotions. Raistlin has always been a guarded character. Being able to see his doubts and insecurities added a new depth to him.

It also helps that compared to the older novels, Raistlin is able to be the main focal point. This allows the authors to write in all the minute details of his character’s ambitions and goals. His title as the Master of Past and Present is well known to anyone who has read The Chronicles. But now readers are given a first-hand encounter of how Raistlin faces his destiny. And it is so artfully done, that the essence of who Raistlin is as a character hasn’t been altered from his original appearance. If anything, this story shows how much he has grown from his experiences and how certain events refocus him on what is important.

Raistlin is a wonderful morally gray character. He can manipulate and con his way into almost any situation and turn it to his advantage. Dragons of the Hourglass Mage showcases him playing both sides, the light and dark, masterfully. Readers will be entranced by his scheming ways and the small glimpses of hope that he genuinely cares for others. And as the story told in this novel begins to line up with Dragons of Spring Dawning, readers will be able to witness events from an entirely new perspective.

For those new to the Dragonlance series, picking up Dragons of the Hourglass Mage right away isn’t going to be a good choice. However, there is information at the beginning of this book detailing which stories need to be read beforehand. For fans of the series, this is a wonderful supplemental tale to Dragons of Spring Dawning. And if Raistlin is one of your favorite characters, this is a must read.

Gleanings will take readers throughout Scythe history and introduce them to some of the most notorious Scythes. There they will experience how the scythes made pivotal decisions in their lives that would forever change the world. There are also stories to bring readers into the aftermath of the events from the main storyline and tell the tales of those directly affected.

While reading Arc of the Scythe I was fascinated by the ways the Thunderhead would do all it could to support those under its care. Not to mention the crafty ways in which it would try to help those in the Scythdome without being able to directly interact with them. I was no less impressed by the Thunderhead’s maneuverings in a few of the short stories in Gleanings. And I would love to see the progression of the new branch of the Thunderhead that was introduced that works in an all new way. The world-building that continued to occur in this collection of short stories shows just how creative and intuitive Neal Shusterman can be.

But it isn’t all about the future and happy tidings. Gleanings also presents stories of scythes who take gleaning to an all new level, using their abilities for their own gain despite the rules they should be following. My favorite of these would be when one scythe in particular took the dog of the people he gleaned. Little does he know the dog has its own agenda and does not appreciate the scythe’s attitude of actions. And through its own doggy ways, it exacts revenge and establishes dominance in the household. A tragic story that made me chuckle by the end.

There is so much to offer with Gleanings. The world readers have come to enjoy is wrapped up in small snippets that will cause as much outrage as laughs. The satirical humor I came to adore in Arc of the Scythe is ever present and continues the fantastic journey through a dystopian world. I enjoyed learning more about the larger figures of the Scythedom and their beginnings. I do recommend you complete the trilogy prior to reading this anthology. While it isn’t necessary, as a reader you will enjoy the book all the more if you do.

Thank you to R&R Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Oliana dreams of going to school for Drama and pursuing her passion for acting alongside her best friend Devin. But when tragedy strikes, Oliana finds herself investigating Devin’s death. People are claiming it was suicide, yet the clues say otherwise. And the closer Oliana comes to finding out the truth, the deadlier it will become for her.

Despite being under a hundred pages, there is a lot going on in Shadowed Seats. Marguerite Ashton immediately sets the stage for Oliana’s somewhat disjointed home life and dives into dark family secrets. While I wish readers could have seen more about Oliana’s brother who is the center of some issues, I understood the focus was to remain on Oliana. I do hope in future novellas we see more of her brother Daniel.

Marguerite Ashton knew exactly what to present to the reader to make an impactful emotional scene. There was so much care taken to show Oliana and Devin’s friendship. I do wish Devin’s final moments had been written in a way to slow down time and allow the reader to process what they were feeling a bit more. Oliana is certainly determined to prove what happened to her best friend, and I believe she channels her grief into actions. Sometimes it is easier to keep busy than dwell on grief, but seeing her grieve in a bit more detail would have elevated the scene even more.

Oliana doesn’t hesitate to dig into whatever she can to uncover the truth of Devin’s death. Even if it means dumpster diving and being covered in day old spaghetti. But with each new clue, the threat to her also increases. The tension ramps up as Oliana comes closer to the truth and whoever is behind Devin’s murder begins to target Oliana as well. Readers will be absorbed in the murder mystery and demand answers.

Shadowed Seats is a quick mystery read that contains an underlying message about bullying and how damaging it can be both online and in person. I would recommend this to older young adult readers who enjoy murder mysteries. I certainly can’t wait to see what happens in book two!

Taking a step back from the main story arcs of Dragonlance will reveal quite an interesting collection of tales. Readers will encounter new adventures from the companions, as well as side stories from various time periods and lands. Each story focuses on either love or war. And it is all wrapped up under the pretense of a folklorist collecting stories on their journey.

While I always enjoy learning more about the companions, I also treasure the smaller tales in Dragonlance. Sure there is plenty of action and adventure to be had while war breaks out and our trusty companions battle the dark forces, but what happens to the regular folk who are swept up in these times as well? What about the tales of legends readers may encounter on their journeys but never fully come to realize the history behind them? This is the heart of these anthologies and all the extra lore bits I eagerly consume.

It is easy enough for me to say my favorite tale was Hide and Go Seek. Centered around Tasslehoff wandering away and being kidnapped, the kender hilariously tries to wriggle his way out of the situation. But there’s a young boy’s life at stake as well, and Tas with his quick thinking does all he can to free them both. But Tas being Tas doesn't always think things through and places them in precarious situations. This is one tale that will have readers laughing as well as biting their nails waiting for one wrong move to foil any hope the two have of freedom.

My second favorite was Hunting Destiny which focused on the White Stag. Not much is told to the readers when they first encounter this mythical creature in the Dragonlance Chronicles. Sturm reflects on the Stag being part of Huma’s legend, but what is the Stag? Is it merely another beast of the forest, or is much more? Through this short story, readers will learn how the stag came to reside in Darken Wood. The extra lore tidbits thrown in hooked me, and I enjoyed learning about curses and the Forest Master. But this is also a tale to pull at your heart, for it centers around a love that can never be fully realized. And listening to the audiobook each time a verse was sung, the melody was haunting.

If you are new to the Dragonlance world, make sure to read Dragons of Autumn Twilight first. There will be some light spoilers if you read Love and War before starting The Chronicles. I also believe you’ll appreciate the companions' tales much more. A few center on a time before the companions met, giving the reader background information that will show why the characters act as they do in Dragons of Autumn Twilight. I enjoyed each story in this anthology and if you are a fan of the series already, you will be sure to enjoy the side tales and extra lore granted from Love and War.

After a worldwide tragedy is caused by genetic manipulation, laws are put into place banning the research. Having played an unknowing part in the devastation, and serving time for it, Logan Ramsey now works for an organization that takes down gene labs. But his latest bust may be his last. As he and his partner enter the lab, an explosion causes ice shrapnel to lodge in Logan's body. As it melts, something races through his body, rewriting his genetic code. At first, it seems like he only has a case of the flu. But when his intelligence increases and his body begins to change, Logan’s fear of being genetically mutated comes to a startling reality. And his employer would rather lock him away in a black box than risk his genetic mutation from spreading.

The concept behind Upgrade was fascinating. What would happen if scientists could manipulate the human genome, making them faster, stronger, smarter, and impervious to disease? But then again, if they were able to do that, would it be taking things too far? Upgrade explores the reasons behind gene manipulation and possible complications resulting from it. And it throws in a dash of family conflict too.

Logan has always wanted to be as smart as his mother. Her comprehension and ability to manipulate genes made her one of the top geneticists. However, she was more dedicated to her work than being a parent, leaving behind an absence of emotion Logan carries throughout his life. Not to mention Logan served time behind bars for the devastation his mother’s last experiment caused. It’s no wonder Logan pursues a job he can’t stand in an attempt to make up for past mistakes. When Logan’s sister was introduced into the story I was hoping to see the complicated family dynamics play a large part in the story. However, the focus remained on the implications of gene science versus family drama.

While conflicts arise between Logan and his sister, they are captured in short clips. This allows the reader to uncover how they feel about their mother’s impact on the world but doesn’t fully delve into how Logan and his sister feel toward each other. Rather than exploring their bond by allowing them enough page time together, the reader is told how they feel and immediately the story time jumps after a major conflict between them. I would have liked to see more time spent on Logan's inner thoughts and how he felt clashing with his sister. There is an obvious anger reaction, but nothing much outside of it. And each time they meet years down the road, similar time jumps occur, never focusing long enough for the reader to see a full picture of the two other than reacting to whatever current problem is occurring.

However, the way Blake Crouch explores Logan’s evolution is fascinating. As his intelligence increases, Logan is finally able to function at a higher level on par with his mother. And he fully explores the capabilities of his body and mind. This draws the reader into otherworldly possibilities the human body could potentially experience. It also leads the reader into contemplating the ethical implications of such an upgrade.

For readers who enjoy plot-driven science fiction novels, Upgrade will be the book for you. There is a mix of gene science and ever evolving problems caused by it. Instead of dwelling too long on the repercussions against relationships and personal needs. The story steadily moves along, sometimes doing time jumps to accentuate the progress of forced gene evolution. But if you enjoy more character based storylines as I do, I would not suggest you read Upgrade.

Ryland has woken up on a spaceship, somewhere, in some universe and he doesn’t have a clue why. The only people who could tell him passed away during their journey. But as he starts to remember why he is in his current predicament, Ryland realizes he’s the last human left who can save the Earth.

Project Hail Mary is steeped in science and experimentation. While in the background the reader is conscious of the time limit Earth has, the tension isn’t really felt throughout the story. Instead, Andy Weir focuses on the tension built up from events caused by the initial experiments done on the unknown substance threatening all life as we know it. The enthusiasm Ryland feels as he progresses in his experiments and uncovers information is unmistakable. Each step forward is like an awakening and makes the setbacks hit emotionally harder.

Ryland’s story is told from a shifting perspective of past and present. As he wanders the ship and begins to unlock his memories, readers will start to see the ever-evolving story of Earth’s newest threat. Andy Weir was clever in syncing the timelines, allowing readers to see how Ryland interacted with those around him in the past and bringing in dialogue and character development that would have been stalled viewing only Ryland in his ship.

My favorite part of this novel was Ryland’s developing understanding and relationship with another life form. From the way they learned how to communicate and work together, to their quick thinking problem solving using their various backgrounds and abilities was phenomenal. Ryland is introduced as a frustrated scientist with few personal connections. Watching him form a bond with someone else and the internal thoughts he went through establishing their relationship was fascinating.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy science and engineering. Math and science are used to describe details in a way to up the ante for those who can understand the language. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people and I found myself missing out on more physical based action and tension. However, Project Hail Mary is a good book, it just isn't the book for me.

Review on the way!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 7

Iver and his companions thought the safest place would be on an island. But the dead do not need to breathe underwater. Zombies begin to horde en masse around the houses of survivors, barricading them in. Panic rises as food and ammo run short. Meanwhile, Dan and William are on a desperate trip back to Denmark. There may still be a way to end the apocalypse. Time is ticking and the number of survivors grows ever shorter.

Readers will soon learn Nick Clausen does not hesitate to take well-known characters out of the equation. It's all too easy to be lulled into a false sense of security as characters survive close calls. But as the world continues to fall apart, they will have to make split-second decisions. And those decisions will not always be the best ones. Be prepared to have your heart strings pulled as you read Dead Meat Day 7.

From the start, Dead Meat Day 7 immerses readers in a fast-paced action heavy story. There is barely time for characters to think about what happens next let alone the reader. And as each new situation rolls into the next it brings the storyline ever closer to where it all began. Simultaneously it also shows the increasingly horrid conditions other survivor groups are left to contend with. The fate of the world rests on the decisions of a few, and readers will be glued to the page waiting to see what happens next.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 8

Civilization has collapsed. Allies turn against one another in a last-ditch attempt to save themselves. The zombie apocalypse has very nearly wiped out all of humanity. But there are still a few who hold onto one last thin thread of hope. And they are willing to risk their lives to try and save the world.

Dead Meat Day 8 brings the plot back to the origin of the zombie apocalypse as Dan searches for a cure. Readers will finally have confirmation if all their guessing and theories are in fact true. Alliances will be formed and a final desperate battle will begin. Characters readers have met throughout the series will begin to make appearances, wrapping up their arcs as the series nears the end.

The focus of Dead Meat Day 8 shifts away from relying on action and combat situations. While zombies and antagonistic humans are still present threats, a new type of horror makes its way into Nick Clausen's writing. A psychological aspect comes into play as characters experience the burnout associated with trying to survive.

But this book is no less entertaining than the previous novels. There are still twists and turns readers won't see until the scenes are played out on the page. And Nick Clausen is able to spin the constant background threats in different ways to keep readers enthralled. He will also introduce a new threat, seamlessly weaving it into the storyline to raise the stakes one last time. I am excited to see where this series will end and who will be left standing.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 9

The world is growing desperate as the zombie population continues to rise. Without a scientific cure, the threat of nuclear war has arisen. But Dan and company aren't willing to give up. They are determined to find a way to cure the world and avoid all out war.

The clock is ticking as the story progresses and the characters face ever growing challenges. Not only are the zombies increasing in number, but so are the humans who have given in to their darker sides. For some, it's easy to push aside their morals when faced with what seems to be an incurable disease. To them, ridding the world of zombies is seen as heroic instead of nefarious. Readers will be held in suspense as Dan and the others encounter these shady characters. After all, if the world is cured they would go back to being villains. And they certainly can't have that happen.

Right up until the end Nick Clausen keeps the reader guessing as to which direction the story will go. While Dan, William, and the rest have a good idea of how to end the apocalypse, there's no telling if they will be able to accomplish their goals in time to halt the military. There is a sense of urgency as the characters race to save the world, ramping up the tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

I do wish Iver would have been given a bit more page time. His situation was precarious at best as he struggled to save himself and the little boy left with him. The scenes they have are certainly nail-biting, but I would have liked to see it drawn out a bit more. And while the story came full circle by the end it felt like it wrapped up a bit too quickly.

Overall I enjoyed the Dead Meat series. The episodic storytelling played into the plot and gave readers something to look forward to with each new book. There was a promise of ever-increasing stakes, world-building, and intense characters. I'm sad to see it come to an end.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Girl Island

Thank you to Kate Castle for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

With the loss of her father, Ellery is left to take care of the family farm alongside her brother and sometimes functional mother. When she earns an athletics scholarship to attend a private school, it's an opportunity she can't pass up. But when the plane crashes on an island en route to the school, Ellery is stranded with a group of fellow students. And while some are convinced rescue is right around the corner, Ellery realizes it won't be so easy. As days turn into weeks, tempers rise and the fight for survival will bring out the darkest parts of each student.

The dynamics between characters were phenomenally written. Readers will bond with certain characters throughout the story and grow to resent others. The variety of personalities propelled the story forward as the harsh reality of survival forced them each to contend with their strengths and weaknesses. And for some, realizing their limitations encouraged them to strike out at those who were more tuned to survival. Kate Castle created a blend of characters that will hook readers in and create a wonderful blend of emotional tension.

Ellery was able to read situations extremely well and pick up on personality traits that would cause trouble. While this gave her an advanced warning, she didn't always know exactly what to do. When the power struggles began, and tension escalated, the drive to continue reading grew. Ellery was extremely level-headed, but as time passed readers could see the toll living on the island took on her and the other survivors. And knowing how her family still grieved the recent loss of her father, Ellery's emotional response to her situation was amplified.

Girl Island is an intense blend of apprehension and suspense. The reader will never know what is lurking around the corner and what new challenges will arise. While the environment plays an integral part, the relationships between the characters will be the key to their overall state of mind and survival. This is a novel for those who enjoy a fast-paced survival tale with plenty of drama and harrowing experiences. I loved this novel!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon

Thank you to K.R.R. Lockhaven for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Over time Azure's enjoyment of running an Inn alongside her father has waned. His racism towards anyone not human is taking a toll on her patience. And when the new governor arrives spouting his bigoted words of “Humans First” her father embraces the message. Disgusted Azure casts her father aside, but as the ship bearing him begins to leave Azure is racked with guilt. And while she soon finds herself aboard the governor's ship his constant verbal attack against nonhumans grates against her nerves. Something must be done to stop him.

There is quite the cast of characters Azure will meet as she embarks on her quest to save her father from the governor's misguided notions. My favorite of them was the marauders. A team of seafaring folk who search the seas for people to help instead of people to pirate. They are a team who love to tell tales and sing songs. And while their humor can be a bit juvenile, they have good hearts.

The worldbuilding aspect of The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon needed fine-tuning. There are many moments of exposition as characters tell their stories, and not all of them seemed relevant to building relationships or moving the plot. The magic system also needed some work. As the story progresses, readers will learn about different types of magic from fellow characters and cultures, but it is more of a surface explanation. There was a lot of potential for cultural learning moments and worldbuilding.

K.R.R. Lockhaven does a fantastic job creating an evil and bigoted antagonist. Governor Pratt is a despicable man who influences and manipulates people into rising against anyone who is not human. During his time on the page, readers will definitely feel resentful towards him and urge Ellery on in her quest to bring him down.

The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon is a tale for readers who enjoy various types of upfront humor and a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. And while the main antagonist is vehemently against nonhumans, Ellery's message of acceptance and friendship for all beings far outweighs it. With magic, dragons, humor, and pirates, there is sure to be something for everyone who enjoys a fantasy read.

Thank you to Lyra Wolf for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Banished from Asgard, Loki has settled down in California to live out his days with Sigyn by his side. As she attends school to become a doctor, he enjoys life lounging in the sun and causing mischief for those who cross the line. But when Sigyn comes home and collapses, causing a surge of dark magic, Loki suddenly finds his happily ever after on pause. Surtur is trying to break free, and if he does, not only will Loki lose Sigyn, but the very world will be destroyed. There is only one God with the knowledge and power to help, but it means ripping open old wounds and facing down past demons.

Loki is a character I will never tire of reading about. Especially the one portrayed in The Nine Worlds Rising series. Loki is a character who uses sarcastic humor and wits to arm himself against whatever emotionally comes his way. He’s quick to outthink the best of the Gods and cause mischief among them, but all for what he views as the better cause. The amount of ridicule he has to endure for being different is heartbreaking. But he refuses to back down, despite the continued abuse he endures from the Gods and their devious ways. Loki is a beautifully complicated character to follow.

Lyra Wolf isn’t afraid to show the messy and difficult parts of love. As some of Loki’s past deeds come to light, Sigyn must come to terms with his actions. And while their arguments may be full of anger and resentment, there is also a desire to understand one another. I appreciate that Sigyn thinks through all the angles and tries to see through Loki’s eyes. She doesn't assume and make immediate judgments. And any actions she does take that are born of anger she analyzes and tries to find the root of her feelings. Such complex emotions pull the reader in, allowing them to engage with the characters on a whole new level.

But the past doesn’t just haunt Loki’s current relationship. Embarking on a quest with Odin means he will have to relive the tender moments they once shared. It doesn’t help that Odin constantly brings up old buried memories. Ones that at the time were wonderful and fulfilling, but now bring a shadow of regret and disappointment. Loki is fully focused on making his current relationship with Sigyn work, despite the many challenges they have faced. His passion for their love is so strong, that he will do anything to see Sigyn safe. Even if it means confronting his unresolved feelings for Odin and the love they once shared.

That Good Mischief is a fast-paced and nail-biting ride as Loki races to save Sigyn. Surtur won’t go down without a fight and Loki must also contend with the spiteful anger of the Gods standing in his way. I enjoyed every minute of Loki’s sarcastic humor and determination to save Sigyn. I cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to BBNYA for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Asagi is neither man nor woman. Sold into slavery, they are subjected to emotional and physical abuse. And when one master is done, they are sold to another to repeat the cycle. When one such household leaves Asagi in charge of a young boy, they do all they can to protect him. But the inevitable happens and Asagi is torn away from the boy to be sold to another house. Guilt and heartache plague them. Pain becomes the only solace in their life, the only thing able to ground them. When the new household shows even the smallest kindness, Asagi is hesitant to believe it is possible. Surely it is some new way to torment them? Asagi will soon learn, while the master may indeed be kind, there is an underlying darkness that compels him to do so.

Asagi’s character is tragic and complex. The amount of abuse they have endured is heartbreaking. Watching the evolution of Asagi’s trauma and battle to overcome it will keep readers entranced. They are so frightened by human interaction. When Asagi begins to form connections with people they are such fragile relationships that take time to develop and grow. And even at their strongest points, the past haunts Asagi making them doubt every good thing in their life. Not to mention the confusion of trying to form relationships with people when for so long Asagi was seen as only a slave.

Bloodlaced is a dark and emotional read. An extra depth was added to the writing as readers will often feel as confused as Asagi when they try to understand their feelings of love. Asagi believed love was beyond them and when they begin to feel different kinds of love the messages seem to become mixed. There are times when the expected social interactions become skewed with other kinds of love. Then add in the element of vampirism and it mixes up the emotional drives.

Vampirism in this novel takes the form of a youkai. And while the lore around this particular youkai is limited, it makes a large impact on the story. Many of the characters' choices will be determined by the effects of the youkai and haunted pasts. And while vampirism is the perfect catalyst for many of the plot points, a stronger foundation in the lore would have added to the worldbuilding.

Bloodlaced is by no means a light read and will not be suitable for all readers. There is no shying away from the brutality characters endure. The depth of emotional and physical torment bestowed on Asagi will not be easy for readers to experience.

Reaper #2497 remembers his name was once Steve. He also remembers the unfortunate circumstances where he killed a man and sealed his fate to become a reaper. But unlike some of the other reapers, he hates his job. While his daily assignments may help him bring mercy to those near the end of their life, the thirty random people each month weigh heavily on him. This month he’s pushing the limit. He doesn’t start his quota until he’s threatened with extermination and he has three days left to eliminate thirty people. But there has to be something he can do to restart his life. Or at the least, make something better in his reaper unlife. With three days left, Steve sets out to find a different path.

The Reaper’s Quota is steeped in dark humor and has a protagonist who tries to make the best out of his situation. Readers will travel alongside Steve as he fulfills his daily assignments and slowly but surely takes out his monthly quota. But in between reaping, readers will see Steve struggle to remember emotions and how to be human.

The story did grow repetitive at times. While this added to Steve’s experience as he struggled with his day to day reaping, adding a few extra days to Steve’s plight would have helped bring balance to the plot. With a little extra time, readers would have been able to see a more elaborate version of Steve searching for a different way and trying to experience “life” even though he was a reaper. The connection to him as a character would have been solidified and the ending would have definitely brought out a stronger emotional response.

But the little things are what I really enjoyed about The Reaper’s Quota. All the details and effort Sarah McKnight put into Steve contemplating what he would be feeling or thinking if he were still human. Even though it was all done through telling, as Steve could not experience it, it was so well written and added to the impact readers felt with his struggle.

The Reaper’s Quota contemplates life, death, and the choices people make and their final paths because of them. If you enjoy dark humor and the search for a second chance give this a read. And with the way it ends, you’ll definitely want to jump straight to book two.

Thank you to BBNYA for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

The Kardashev Corporation controls trade, power, and just about everything in the solar system. And when CEO Alton Neal unveils his latest creation, the Swarm, he’s ready to control the power of the sun as well. Horrified at what this would mean, civilizations begin to band together to fight back against Kardashev. Thrown into the mix is Chim, a girl with the skills to manipulate almost any technology. Drawn into the conflict as her father is held captive by the Kardashev company, her abilities may be the tipping point the resistance needs. But is it too little too late?

Mercury’s Shadow is a sci-fi that shows how the advancement of technology may not be for the better of mankind. While it may provide faster transportation or other conveniences in life, how far can technology go before it harms more than helps? Add to that the greed of one corporation and Alton Neal’s desire to control the lives of everyone in the solar system.

While the politics and impact on a wider scale were well planned and the conflicts were engaging, the character relationships needed a bit more detail. The relationship between Chim and her father is one of the first introduced to readers. But the moments they have together give readers only a glance at how they interact. There is time spent building up her father’s influence on her hobbies, and how they worked on the robot Quince together. However, the information wasn’t spread out over enough of the book to make an emotional connection between the reader and the characters. I would have loved to see more moments between Chim and her father before the main conflict began.

One of the strengths of Mercury’s Shadow was the portrayal of villainy. Alton Neal is crafted to be an egomaniac who cares only for his company’s advancement. Readers will instantly dislike his mannerism and conceited viewpoint. He is quick to anger and strikes out whenever he thinks he can gain the upper hand. He is a worthy adversary for the reader to loathe, as he attempts to undermine the civilizations resisting him.

When a villain willing to risk everything to gain what he desires, goes up against a girl backed by a galaxy of resistance, a fierce space battle begins. If you enjoy sci-fi stories that deal with politics on a galaxy-wide scale, then make sure to pick up a copy of Mercury’s Shadow.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Ravel

Thank you to D.M. Simmons for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Laney has moved on with her life, but something still lingers in the back of her mind. Darkness plagues her, tormenting Laney with nightmares and sleepless nights. She should be happy, starting a new chapter in her life with Evan, but the past refuses to let her go. And it doesn't help that Dean is back in town. On edge, Laney does her best to plan for her future, but something doesn't feel right. To be truly happy, she will have to revisit the night that caused her the most pain.

While there might not be as much internal conflict and mystery as in the previous novel, Ravel is a book set to build up the world of Lake Haven. Readers will witness Laney and Evan's lives moving forward after the tragic accident in Evoke. As the world builds around the characters, Laney is plagued by nightmares, slowly taking her down a road of misgivings and doubts. But the one part of the novel that remains strong is Evan and Laney's relationship. The support they show one another is amazing, and no matter what difficulties lay in wake for them, they stand united against them.

Ravel is an engaging book that shows readers the day to day of small town life and shows readers that true love does exist. It's a feel good book that has its share of tragedies but ultimately is about living life to the fullest and not letting the past weigh you down. As the story unfolds, readers will witness both sides of the coin. Those who can move on from tragedy, and those that dwell within it, and the effects it has on their lives. D.M. Simmons has a way with her characters that makes readers feel at home and connected with them. You'll feel as though you are walking beside them, experiencing the range of emotions they feel as they try to move on with their lives.

The pacing is slower than in the previous novel, but savor it while you can. There is heavy foreshadowing as the story progresses. Once the plot twists start revealing themselves, the pacing ramps up. And while I suspected some of the major plot points by the end, some took me completely by surprise. And now I just have to know what happens next. I can't wait till book three is announced! Fiction readers who enjoy small town settings and books about true love will love this series!

The Sandman Act II continues the brilliant audio adaptation of The Sandman graphic novels. Each voice actor captures the very essence of the story with fantastic audio narration. This collection of stories will tie up some loose ends from the previous volume, but it will also take readers on a journey across the world and across time to witness how Morpheus is influential in various cultures.

The focus of the story is going to drift. While there are a few overarching plot points, the majority of Act II is going to bring readers through side stories. And not every story has the Dream King as a center point. Readers will witness various cultures' perspectives of Morpheus and how they integrate belief in him into their lives. While some view him as a God, others seek him out for personal gain. And while Morpheus is never outright malicious, the price for gaining your heart’s desire is rarely what you expect it to be.

And while the settings and characters may change from tale to tale, the underlying dark tone remains the same. From the dead coming back to life and haunting the living to the demons being released from hell, there are a host of disasters to be found. And there will be no holding back on how the creatures torment the living.

The Sandman Act II is another strong installment of the audio adaptation. Act I kept my interest better due to the consistent story, but being able to witness Morpheus in different parts of the world was interesting. I’m eager to see what new tales will be told in the next volume.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The World Maker Parable

Locked away for the good of Jermoon, the chaotic Vulture has been freed. Rhona has no choice but to lead her lover Djen to the Hang-Dead forest and put her to death for aiding the Vulture. But along the way she questions her decision, surely there must be another way? Similarly, Varesh has walked the same path as Rhona. Each carries the burden of guilt. Stories of the Vulture speak of the chaos wrought, but what is truth, and what is a lie?

The World Maker Parable is a complex story, wrought with raw emotion. Readers will follow multiple characters through stories of overwhelming guilt and their ambitions to make a better world. Each is so focused on their ideas, but ultimately the decisions they make plague them as they see the results of their actions. The writing style is crafted in such a way that it draws the reader into each story, even though the barest of details are given to the characters. And the internal battle of the mind is brought to life in startling clarity.

Luke Tarzian personified trauma, making it a shadow person to live within and at times stand by the characters. As they struggled to redefine their truths and bury the memories of wrongdoing, the shadow would pull memories forward. Characters were forced to relive their dark paths to confront the atrocities they committed. Telling the story in such a way allowed readers to journey through different times and view the making or at times unmaking, of the world.

This is one of those books that lay out the pieces of a puzzle, stringing the reader along until the very end to snap them all in place. While I do wish there had been a bit more build-up to allow the reader some hint of the truth, the sudden realization is satisfying and will urge readers to jump back into the story from the beginning. With new eyes, the story carries an entirely different feeling.

The World Maker Parable will immerse readers in a darkly creative and challenging world. I recommend this to readers who enjoy thought provoking dark fantasy books. I am intrigued to see where how future novels evolve this world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Wyrd Gods

Thank you to Susana Imaginario for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Were the Gods to answer every prayer, the worlds they resided over would fall to ruin. However, one dryad's final prayer draws the attention of a goddess. And in doing so traps the goddess Psyche in her mortal body. Now a Wyrd, Psyche, must find the true purpose behind her imprisonment. But as she wanders the world she is trapped in, she will find that the God of Time has been forcing worlds to collide. And she isn't the only God trapped.

Wyrd Gods was beautifully written. Susana Imaginario's use of language created an enchanting and captivating world for the characters to reside in. Each scene is laced with emotional detail and dreamlike in quality. The way she seamlessly blended multiple pantheons of gods into one concise and intricate story took a great amount of skill. And the characters are multilayered. Each has their own agenda and desires. Sometimes they may coincide with one another, but each will be out for their own personal gain.

That being said, I am not as familiar with mythology as I most likely should be to read this novel. The various pantheons and clash of gods confused me. If I understood their backgrounds and histories more clearly, it would have been easier for me to digest the various names appearing on the page. The main players in the story were recognizable to me such as Loki, Odin, and Hades. But there were many names of demigods and titans I did not know. I do believe if I had a better grasp of their wants and needs from mythology I would have been able to understand the concept of their desires better in the novel.

The audio narration of Wyrd Gods is just as beautiful as the writing. Sarah Kempton flawlessly captured the personalities and emotions of each character. And as she began narrating the contest of wills between Psyche and Ileana I found myself entranced. I highly recommend listening to this on audiobook. It will draw you in all the quicker as the narration adds another layer to the world-building and characterization.

Wyrd Gods is a wonderful read for those who enjoy mythology. Especially if mythology from various cultures captures your interest. There are many characters to remember, but as the story progresses you'll grow to know each and every one of them. There is plenty of mystery and political tension within the story to keep readers engaged and guessing right up until the very end.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Witches of Ash and Ruin

As a witch, the conservative Irish town Dayne resides in would never accept her let alone her reverend father. Dealing with the fallout of her bisexuality being revealed is hard enough. Every day she is tormented with whispers and rumors at school. If her witch nature were to be exposed, it would be even worse. Her saving grace is the family of witches who have accepted her as their own. But the town will soon have more than witches to worry about. A serial killer named The Butcher has begun killing women. And Dayna may be next.

The family dynamics in Witches of Ash and Ruin reminded me of Practical Magic. I loved how easy going and heartfelt the Callighans were with Dayna. Their use of magic and communion with nature was wonderful to read about. They were always ready with tea, or a treat when Dayna was having an off day. In general they were there to comfort her and make sure she was ok. And despite Dayna's father being a reverend and admently against witchcraft, they never spoke ill of him. They were a sharp contrast to the second witch family introduced into the story, the Kings.

The Kings brought to the story a bitter and grim side to witchcraft. Their coven leader was quick to strike out at her witchlings should they disobey her. Grandma King was also willing to dip into the darker side of magic to make sure her goals were attained. With such contrasting views on magic, having the two covens work together towards a common goal created a wonderful mix of events.

While the witches were well flushed out and their histories explained, the antagonists of the story needed a bit more information. I understand to some extent The Butcher plot line needed to keep an air of mystery. But from the start readers learn there are three brother's behind the serial killings. I would have liked to see the three brothers working together and interacting more. Readers did gain a sense that they did not generally like each other, but a bit more showing would have been a great way to build up tension. They did receive their own chapters, but they were far less in comparison to the witches.

Another character I would have liked to see more of was Samuel. Obsessed with The Butcher, Samuel tracked the serial killer for years. His knowledge was a great way to add him into Dayna's story. Not to mention the history the two characters had. While he wove in and out of the story, he never received a resolution by the end. His character sort of faded into the background right at a pivotal development point. I wanted to see the results of his discoveries and how they affected him as a person.

Witches of Ash and Ruin is a great novel if you enjoy stories of witches and Celtic mythology. It is marketed as a standalone novel, but the story arcs don't really come to a conclusion by the end. I hope to see a sequel to this novel as I am invested in the characters of this world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Memory and Shadow

Kaernan Asthore's seeker ability allows him to find lost loves. But not every love story ends happily. Guilt plagues Kaernan after a seeking assignment turns deadly, and wishes nothing more than to be rid of his ability. When his father signs him up for a commission to help Lady Adallia Pahame find her lost love, he finds himself hard pressed to say no. Accepting the mission he hopes it will be simple, but as he and his companions begin their journey, they will quickly realize there is more at hand than one lost love.

Heir of Memory and Shadow expands on the world introduced to readers in the first novel Heir of Amber and Fire. Readers will be immersed in a kingdom filled with magic and mystery. Kaernan's ability is vastly different from tracking down dragons, but the journey is no less enjoyable. There will also be a few returning characters from the previous novel who will provide a balanced mix of humor and seriousness to the team dynamics. As they embark on their journey to find Adallia's lost love, the group will keep readers entertained as they encounter magical challenges and formidable foes. There will be a few unexpected turns along the way that will make readers rethink what they have encountered along the way.

Kaernan is one of my favorite character types, complicated with a good heart. He does all he can to make the right decisions for his companions, but he is a reluctant leader. Kaernan doubts his choices due to the tragedy of his last commission. However, as the story progresses and he gains trust in his travel companions and abilities, Kaernan's personality and confidence grow. Witnessing a character come into their own and begin to believe in themselves is a wonderful journey.

The amount of tension in this novel is just enough to draw the reader in, but there's also this sense of camaraderie and positive intentions among the characters that help ease any situation. Heir of Memory and Shadow can be read as a standalone novel, though it does bring a bit of a spoiler to light from book one, honestly the first book will be just as fun to read knowing what happens. I encourage readers who enjoy fantasy novels to give this one a try!